Resource Database

National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education (NAECS/SDE)

Description

From the website: NAECS/SDE (National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education) is a national organization for state education agency staff members with major responsibilities in the field of early childhood education. The Association promotes high-quality services to young children and their families through improvement of instruction, curriculum, and administration of programs. Members of the Association have an opportunity to share ideas and to work together toward the solution of common problems. NAECS/SDE was founded in 1972 by a small group of state early childhood specialists. At that time, few state departments of education had such a position. It was, however, a time when the potential of early childhood education to improve the life chances of young children was gaining the attention of state leaders. In the intervening years, many more states have designated early childhood specialists. As state resources for early childhood programs increased beginning in the late 1980s, about three-fourths of the state departments of education added early childhood specialists. Many of these new specialists also became members of NAECS/SDE. The goals of the organization are: Enhancing the efforts of state departments of education on behalf of young children; Strengthening communication and coordination among states; Influencing and supporting policies and legislation that affect the education, health, and welfare of children and their families; Offering assistance and leadership in researching, analyzing, and recommending standards for high quality early childhood and teacher preparation programs; Promoting communication and coordination between state departments of education and other agencies and professional organizations serving young children.

Topic(s): Academic Achievement, Legislation/Public Policy, Preschool

User Type(s): Advocate, Educator, Policymaker

Address

Children’s Research Center
51 Gerty Drive
Champaign , Illinois 61820

Contact Information

Phone(s): 217-333-1386
URL(s): http://naecs.crc.uiuc.edu

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